Measles cases over 300

The measles outbreak in the Swansea area of Wales is continuing to spread, according to health officials.

Over the last few days, 64 new cases of measles have been reported in the area, taking the total to 316, with 42 patients hospitalised with the condition.

The outbreak has hit a total of 111 schools and nurseries as Public Health Wales urges parents to ensure their children are vaccinated.

It has also warned that there are increasing cases across mid and west Wales and fears the risk of a child being left with serious and permanent complications, or even dying from measles, is growing.

Director of health protection for Public Health Wales Dr Marion Lyons said: “We cannot emphasise enough that measles is an illness that can kill, or leave people with permanent complications including severe brain damage.

“The only protection is the safe and highly effective MMR vaccine. We are urging parents of unvaccinated children to make immediate arrangements with their GP for their children to receive the MMR jab, to prevent further spread of the disease and further misery.”

She said children who have not been fully immunised face a life-long risk of catching measles.

Public Health Wales is also concerned that the outbreak will continue into the summer and impact on pupils sitting GCSE and A-level exams.